Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Functional Characterization of Regulatory Macrophages That Inhibit Graft-reactive Immunity
08:41

Functional Characterization of Regulatory Macrophages That Inhibit Graft-reactive Immunity

Published on: June 7, 2017

Transgenic over-expression of MafK suppresses T cell proliferation and function in vivo

K Yoh1, T Sugawara, H Motohashi

  • 1Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan.

Genes to Cells : Devoted to Molecular & Cellular Mechanisms
|December 12, 2001
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Overexpression of MafK in T cells represses gene transcription by binding to MARE-like sequences, impacting T cell proliferation and cytokine production. This highlights MafK

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Small Maf proteins are transcription regulators that bind to Maf recognition elements (MAREs).
  • These proteins lack a transactivation domain, and their transcriptional activity depends on their ratio with partner proteins.
  • The balance of small Maf proteins and partners dictates whether transcription is activated or repressed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of MafK, a small Maf protein, in T cell transcription.
  • To determine if MafK overexpression represses MARE-dependent transcription in T cells.
  • To assess the impact of MafK on T cell proliferation and cytokine expression.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of transgenic mice overexpressing MafK in the T cell lineage.
  • Analysis of thymocyte counts, IL-2, and IL-4 mRNA expression levels.
  • Electrophoretic gel mobility shift assays (EMSA) to study protein-DNA interactions.

Main Results:

  • MafK overexpression in T cells led to a shortened lifespan due to Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
  • Transgenic mice showed decreased thymocytes and reduced IL-2 and IL-4 mRNA levels.
  • EMSA confirmed MafK interaction with IL-2 proximal AP-1 and IL-4 promoter MARE sequences.

Conclusions:

  • Overexpressed MafK represses MARE-dependent transcription by binding to MARE-like sequences.
  • MafK overexpression negatively affects T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion.
  • The MafK homodimer is a valuable tool for studying the role of MAREs in T cell function.

More Related Videos

Methods for Evaluating the Role of c-Fos and Dusp1 in Oncogene Dependence10:09

Methods for Evaluating the Role of c-Fos and Dusp1 in Oncogene Dependence

Published on: January 7, 2019

Studying Interactions between Myeloid Cells and CAR T Cells In Vitro and In Vivo05:14

Studying Interactions between Myeloid Cells and CAR T Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Published on: July 25, 2025

Related Concept Videos

In-vitro Mutagenesis01:16

In-vitro Mutagenesis

To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
Mouse Models of Cancer Study02:43

Mouse Models of Cancer Study

Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...